Summary:
Three countries, three versions of the Arctic – this is the expedition for travelers seeking contrasts of landscapes and culture. An extraordinary expedition, it was named one of National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime". The expedition encompasses the northeast coast of Greenland, across Iceland, and high above the Arctic Circle in Svalbard, Norway. This is the Arctic of Viking legend and lore – a world of icy fjords, fiery volcanoes and glittering, ice-bound seas. Encounter the majestic ice bear and colossal walrus, seabirds by the thousands in their towering cliff-side rookeries, and breathtaking flower-dotted tundra plains.

Days 2 - 4: Spitsbergen, NorwayExploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here you'll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords with walrus, polar bear and Spitsbergen reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and glaucous and ivory gulls. As an added bonus, when conditions are right, you could sail within 10° of the North Pole!

Days 5 - 6: Greenland SeaWhile sailing the historic Greenland Sea, you'll learn about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck you'll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie - there are many things to do during your time at sea.

Days 7 - 10: Eastern GreenlandDuring your tour of Greenland's remote eastern coast, enjoy sea-level Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing musk oxen, as 40% of the world's population of this fascinating mammal lives here. Finally, sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs, and - some say - the most beautiful fjord system in the world.

Days 11 - 12: Denmark StraitAt sea, the Denmark Strait is your pathway east, towards Iceland. Your onboard Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds that you’ll inevitably see soaring above your ship.

Day 13: The Westman Islands, IcelandThe local name for these islands is Vestmannaeyjar, named long ago for Irishmen (Westmen) that were enslaved by the medieval Norse-Gaels. This small archipelago is your first sighting of Iceland, the land of fire and ice, which is evident as you tour around the volcanic town of Heimaey. There's also a good chance you'll spot large numbers of puffins on one of the outlying islands or whales in the surrounding water.

Day 14: Reykjavik, Iceland / DisembarkYour adventure ends at the port of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. From the port, you'll transfer to the city center. If you boarded the ship in Reykjavik, you will disembark in Longyearbyen.

Trip Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Mandatory Travel Insurance:All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Due to the remoteness of the areas in this itinerary, travelers must have a minimum $50,000 of emergency medical coverage. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. The shipping company will not be held responsible for delays due to force majeure. Any additional costs accrued will be the responsibility of the traveler. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends that the travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation insurance, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage and repatriation. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.

Included:Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage (Please inform of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled; photographic journal on DVD, documenting the voyage; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an expedition parka – yours to keep; coffee, tea, cocoa available around the clock; complimentary selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin; comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; emergency evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person*; arrival transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your hotel if you arrive one day prior to embarkation; on embarkation day transfer from hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the ship; on the day of disembarkation, group transfer from the ship to the airport.

Not Included:Any airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any beverages that are not in the complimentary selection; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation, if applicable; baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance; excess baggage charges; laundry and other personal charges; telecommunications charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for ship’s crew and Expedition Team members; optional kayaking ($595 per person); fuel surcharge may apply.

*Emergency Evacuation Insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000 is included in the cost of this expedition. Included coverage is applicable only to travel between the first and last day of the expedition purchased. Additional days of travel prior to the expedition and/or after the expedition are not covered by the included emergency evacuation insurance. We strongly advise all passengers to purchase medical, cancellation and baggage insurance, and additional emergency evacuation coverage.

True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.

Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!

ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.